The magnificent Lhakhang Karpo was established in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in his mission to build 108 monasteries in one day and subdue the evil demon. He built Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in the Haa Valley. According to a legend, a black and white pigeon was released to select sites to build the temples.
These two temples stand as the guardian sentinels keeping watch at the south entrance of the valley. The Lhakhang derived its name from the white pigeon that landed on the foothills of the three towering mountains worshipped as Rigsum Gonpo and is where the Lhakhang stands today.
